Radiographic image capture system and method

Abstract

A radiographic image capture system includes: a radiographic image capture section, an output section and a generation section. The radiographic image capture section has plural radiographic imaging devices are placed adjacent to each other in a predetermined direction. Each of the radiographic imaging devices independently performs an imaging action, a preparatory action that is performed before the imaging action, and a transition action in which the radiographic imaging device transitions, in response to a transition command, from a first state in which the radiographic imaging device performs the preparatory action to a second state in which the radiographic imaging device performs the imaging action. The output section outputs the transition command to the plurality of radiographic imaging devices when imaging condition data has been input. The generation section combines image data acquired by the radiographic imaging devices and generates elongated image data representing an elongated radiographic image.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims priority under 35 USC 119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-189697 filed on Aug. 26, 2010, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to a radiographic image capture system and method that perform capture of radiographic images represented by radiation that has been emitted from a radiation source and has passed through a subject.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]In recent years, radiation detectors such as a flat panel detector (FPD), in which a radiation-sensitive layer is placed on a thin-film transistor (TFT) active matrix substrate and which can convert radiation directly into digital data, have been put into practical use. Portable radiographic imaging devices (hereinafter also called “electronic cassettes”) that use these radiation detectors to detect applied radiation and capture ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a system and method for capturing elongated radiographic images using multiple devices without the need for electrical interconnection or synchronization of the radiation source and devices. This results in higher image quality.

Problems solved by technology

However, in the technology disclosed in JP-A No. 2005-270277, image capture is performed multiple times in different positions, so a mechanism for moving the electronic cassette becomes necessary, the apparatus becomes larger in scale, and the cost of the apparatus will be high.

For this reason, it is necessary to electrically interconnect the radiation source and the electronic cassettes and also to electrically interconnect each of the plural electronic cassettes to each other, and the configuration for interconnecting the radiation source and the electronic cassettes, the configuration for interconnecting the plural electronic cassettes to each other, and timing control become complicated.

Therefore, even when each of the radiographic imaging devices is portable, long-length imaging can be feasibly performed because a complicated connection configuration and timing control are unnecessary.

Therefore, even when each of the radiographic imaging devices is portable, long-length imaging can be feasibly performed because a complicated connection configuration and timing control are unnecessary.

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